Weekly Steps of Activism

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The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States is a scary and horrific thing for many of us. He and his cabinet, full of unqualified and unsuitable candidates, threaten civil rights, voter rights, climate control, health care, public education, social security, the first amendment, foreign relations, free press, and the values of most good and decent people everywhere. We must resist his actions to destroy the fabric of democracy and the security of our citizens. In an effort to do that, each week I share some acts of resistance and steps of activism you can take. Here are this week’s steps of activism:

This week, all eyes are on the electoral college as they prepare to confirm (or reject, oh God, please) Trump for president on December 19th. There is no federal law binding electors to the results in their states, and state-level guidelines governing electors vary. We need 37 of the Republican electors to change their vote from Trump to someone else and we may be spared a Trump presidency. There is still time to sway electors and you can help, and since our democrat leaders are being a bunch of pussies, it is up to US to fight. We must! From “We’re His Problem Now”:

Ten members of the electoral college have requested a full intelligence briefing on Russia’s involvement in the election. Do your best to make sure they get it by:

1. Calling your Senators/Reps and party leadership to urge them to back the Electors’ request in a public demand. [Find their phone numbers here! – Wendy]

2. Calling James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence at 703-733-8600.

Script for representatives:

I’m — —-, a constituent calling about the CIA’s assessment of Russia’s influence on the election. I urge to support the ten members of the Electoral College who requested a full intelligence briefing on the matter yesterday. Ask to publicly demand that the CIA grant the electors’ request and immediately provide a full intelligence briefing. Our electors speak for the American people. In order to do that fairly, they need to know whether Trump was indeed chosen by the people or whether their votes were overruled by Russian interference. Please urge to issue a statement immediately.

Script for James Clapper:

I’m —- —–, calling to let Director Clapper know that I’m deeply disturbed by the CIA’s statement on Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. I strongly urge Director Clapper to immediately grant the Electoral College a full intelligence briefing on the extent of Russia’s involvement and attempts to sway the election in Trump’s favor. The Electoral College has a duty to preserve the integrity of the election process. In order to do their duty effectively, the Electors must have all of the facts about Russia’s influence before they cast their votes on December 19.”

— But, let’s not kid ourselves. Donald Trump is all but guaranteed to be sworn-in as president of the divided states on January 20th. But you don’t have to sit quietly and take it. Go march and resist! (Here’s a link to the official Women’s March on Washington page, but there are local marches being planned in cities all over the country; do a search in Facebook for “women’s march + the city nearest you” to find out where you can go and let your voice be heard. Send a message that he is #NotOurPresident. A majority of Americans did NOT vote for him and we need let everyone know loudly and clearly that we have no intention of being silenced. Peaceful protests are our right and our civic duty.

Thank you Wendy. Everyone, there are still a few days left to make a difference, and it is important to keep trying. It is very strange that our country suddenly, unexpectedly dropped to weirdly substandard levels, and it is still possible that the electoral college will pull together or intelligence will investigate what happened with the election. We have had less than optimal presidents before, but it is really not normal that this person got elected– something is wrong. We have two days before the electoral college submits their votes, and we need to be vigilant after that.